Navigating the septic system permitting process in Wasatch County, Utah, requires a thorough understanding of local regulations, detailed site evaluations, and proper system design. An individual onsite system is required anywhere without access to a municipal wastewater treatment system. This guide provides a step-by-step overview to assist general contractors in streamlining the process.
Step-by-Step Guide for Obtaining a Septic System and Onsite Wastewater Permit
Step 1: Research Local Requirements for Onsite Septic Systems
Understanding local health requirements is the first step in ensuring compliance with septic tank regulations. Wasatch County enforces specific setback regulations, including:
- Property Lines: 5 feet
- Buildings: 5 feet
- Drinking Water Wells: 100 feet
- Streams or Water Bodies: 100 feet
Anderson’s Role:
We utilize Wasatch County GIS tools to verify zoning classifications, identify overlays like environmental protection zones, and confirm setback compliance.
Your Role:
Provide property details, including site plans and specifications, to a qualified professional to begin the research.
Additional Guidance:
- Estimated Timeline: Confirming local setback requirements and collecting property details typically takes 1–2 days.
Step 2: Conduct Site, Soil Evaluations, and Percolation Tests
Site evaluations are crucial to determining the property’s suitability for a septic system. These include soil percolation tests and assessments of slopes and drainage patterns.
Anderson’s Role:
We schedule and oversee the percolation test with licensed professionals and a Utah-certified inspector. We also analyze the site to identify the best locations for the septic tank and drain field.
Your Role:
Grant site access to a certified professional for evaluation and review findings to ensure alignment with your project objectives.
Additional Guidance:
- Estimated Timeline: Confirming local setback requirements and collecting property details typically takes 1–2 days.
Step 3: Develop a Septic System Design that Meets Public Health Requirements
The septic system design must be tailored to the site’s unique conditions and usage needs while meeting Wasatch County’s regulatory standards.
Anderson’s Role:
We design septic systems, ranging from conventional setups to advanced options like mound systems or aerobic treatment units (ATUs). Every design complies with Utah Administrative Code R317-4 and Wasatch County regulations.
Your Role:
Review and approve the proposed system design, providing feedback for needed adjustments.
Additional Guidance:
- Estimated Timeline: Conducting the site evaluation, percolation test, and soil evaluation typically takes 1–2 weeks, depending on equipment availability and local health department requirements.
Step 4: Submit the Septic System Permit Application
A complete and accurate permit application is essential to securing approval without delays.
Anderson’s Role:
We prepare and submit the permit application to the Weber-Morgan Health Department, including detailed site plans, soil test results, and finalized system designs.
Your Role:
If required, sign the application documents as the applicant, the contractor, or the property owner and submit them to the Wasatch County Health Department.
Additional Guidance:
- Estimated Timeline: Designing the system typically takes 1–3 weeks, depending on complexity.
Step 5: Address Review Comments
The Wasatch County Health Department may request clarifications or revisions during the review process.
Anderson’s Role:
We respond to feedback, update the design or documentation as needed, and ensure the revised application is resubmitted promptly.
Your Role:
Stay informed of updates and provide authorization for any necessary changes.
Additional Guidance:
- Time Frame for Review: The county typically reviews submissions within 2–4 weeks, though this can vary depending on workload and complexity.
Step 6: Secure Approval, Attach to Building Permit, and Begin Construction
Once the septic system permit is approved, it must be attached to your building permit before construction begins.
Anderson’s Role:
We deliver the approved septic permit and, if requested, provide civil site design services to prepare the property for construction, including grading, drainage, and utility planning.
Your Role:
Attach the septic permit to your building permit and proceed with construction.
Additional Guidance:
- Integration With Building Permits: Ensure the septic permit is on file with the county or city before significant building activities start to avoid delays in issuing the primary building permit.
- Coordination With Other Trades: Confirm the final septic system placement with driveway installers, landscapers, and utility providers to prevent conflicts during or after construction.
Septic System and Wastewater Treatment System Costs in Wasatch County
Understanding costs upfront helps avoid surprises. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses for septic systems in Wasatch County:
Cost Component | Range | Details |
Soil Percolation Test | $1550–$4,000 | Confirms site suitability for wastewater absorption and proper disposal. |
Site Evaluation | $500–$1,500 | Includes topographic and environmental assessments. |
Septic System Design | $2,000–$10,000 | Costs vary based on property complexity and system type. |
Permit Application Fee | Costs for septic tank installation typically range from $200–$500 for initial assessments. | Paid to the Wasatch County Health Department. |
System Installation (Conventional) | $10,000–$20,000 | This is for properties with good soil and gentle slopes. |
System Installation (Alternative) | Installation costs for septic tanks typically range from $10,000–$55,000. | Includes mound systems, ATUs, or sand filters for challenging conditions related to wastewater disposal. |
Inspection and Final Approval | $200–$500 | Covers county inspections during and after installation. |
Maintenance Plan (Annual) | $300–$600 | Regular pumping and inspections to ensure long-term reliability. |
While conventional systems are often more affordable, properties with poor soil or steep slopes may require more expensive alternative designs.
Addressing Local Onsite Wastewater System Challenges in Wasatch County
Wasatch County’s diverse geography and seasonal weather patterns pose unique challenges for septic system placement:
- Mountainous Terrain: Areas like the foothills of the Wasatch Range often require advanced designs to prevent effluent surfacing or erosion.
- Snowmelt Runoff: The spring thaw can saturate the soil, reducing its absorption capacity for septic tank systems. Systems near streams like the Provo River or Deer Creek may need additional setbacks or protective measures.
- Rocky Soil: Shallow bedrock in regions like Midway or Heber Valley necessitates mound systems or ATUs for proper functionality.
- Tourism-Driven Usage: Vacation rentals and seasonal properties in areas like Jordanelle demand larger tanks or clustered systems to handle fluctuating occupancy levels.
Understanding and addressing these factors early ensures a smooth installation process and long-term reliability.
Choosing the Right Septic System Design
The type of septic system you choose depends on your site’s conditions and the property’s usage:
- Conventional Systems are the most cost-effective options for suitable sites. They are ideal for sandy soils with good drainage.
- Mound Systems: Effective disposal systems for specific site conditions. Designed for shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or poor soil absorption.
- Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs): Provide advanced wastewater treatment, making them ideal for environmentally sensitive areas or properties near water sources.
Work with an engineer to select a system that balances performance, cost, and compliance with Wasatch County’s regulations.
Case Study: A Local Solution in Timber Lakes
The Challenge: A four-bedroom cabin near Timber Lakes required a septic system to meet setback requirements and address challenges such as rocky soil and a sloped site.
The Solution:
Anderson Engineering designed a 1,250-gallon mound system with an ATU to manage wastewater effectively. The system met Wasatch County’s 100-foot setback from nearby water sources and included a secondary drain field for future scalability. This approach ensured compliance and provided reliable performance for the high-usage property.
Long-Term Maintenance for Wasatch County Systems
Regular maintenance keeps your septic system running efficiently and compliant with local regulations:
- Pumping: Schedule every 3–5 years for residential systems or annually for high-demand properties like vacation rentals.
- Inspections: Annual inspections help identify and address potential issues before they escalate.
- Winterization: Protect exposed components during Wasatch County’s cold winters to prevent freezing and damage.
Proactive maintenance reduces the risk of costly repairs and extends the life of your system.
How Anderson Engineering Can Help Design Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Septic Systems
At Anderson Engineering, we specialize in designing and permitting septic systems, and underground wastewater disposal systems tailored to Wasatch County’s unique challenges:
- Local Expertise: Decades of experience in areas like Heber City, Midway, and Kamas, ensuring compliance with local health regulations.
- Custom Solutions: From conventional systems to advanced ATUs, we deliver systems that meet your property’s needs.
- Regulatory Support: We manage the permitting process, ensuring compliance with Wasatch County and Utah state regulations.
- Ongoing Guidance: We provide maintenance recommendations to keep your system in top condition after installation.
Next Steps for Your Wasatch County Septic System
Ready to get started on your homeowner’s septic tank project? Let Anderson Engineering guide you through the process with expert advice, tailored designs, and hands-on support.
- Schedule a Consultation: Discuss your project with our team for customized solutions.
- Streamline Permitting: Let us handle the paperwork and compliance requirements.
- Build with Confidence: Work with Anderson Engineering to design an efficient, reliable, and compliant system.